This game is fantastic, but it WILL kick your ass all over the place!
The graphics in Battletoads were fantastic for its time. The enemies, toads, environments, even the cut-scenes were a sight to behold. Animation was so smooth and nice and best of all, this glory wasn't just a slow paced slide show. It was very fast-paced and ran silky smooth at all times. The sounds were just as impressive. The music was great for the 8-bit era and the sound effects, especially the punches and kicks, were very satisfying. The game had all the flash.
What can I say about the gameplay? It's fun! I love how fast paced the game is, though it grinds my bones with absurdity at times. Combat couldn't have been any better. Moves are very easy to execute because the toads are so responsive. The changes in gameplay are pretty unique and various and always keep things interesting. Battletoads is great fun to play.
Now, if there's one thing that Rare needed to adjust slightly before release is the challenge. I mean, what were they thinking?! Why is the game so hard. The difficulty in this game is absolutely legendary. I reckon most people never got past the third level, "Turbo Tunnels", due to the ending sequence of that absurd motorbike chase that requires a controller in absolute perfect condition and reflexes of steel in order to dodge the one-hit-killer obstacles that come at you with absolute spell-binding speed. Simply unbelievable. This really turned a lot of people away from Battletoads with steam blowing out of their ears and Nintendo parts and cartridges flying through the air in fits of rage. Thankfully, the game seems to ease up a bit after wards, then it comes back to finish the job in the "Rat Race". If you weren't done at the Turbo Tunnels, then more than likely you'll be done here.
Phew! Enough of that. The game has aged pretty well. I think it's because it's really fun and people hardly get through with it. Only a very few HARDCORE gamers ever actually finished the darn thing.